Our verse today is found in 1 Corinthians 3:6 … “I have planted, Apollos watered; BUT GOD GAVE THE INCREASE.

The verb used here for “gave increase” is “auxano” in Greek. It means “to cause to grow.” One lexicon says “to augment.”

Work must be done, but GOD HIMSELF places the final and permanent blessing upon it.

God imparting such increase may be parallel to Jabez’s second request in his magnificent prayer. “God of Israel, that Thou wouldest ENLARGE my coast.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

It is also similar to Psalm 75:6-7 … “For PROMOTION cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Wow!

And what an “increase” God can give!

“And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:20, now THAT’S fruit bearing!

Thus this morning … I’ve discovered a new “aspect” of my future prayer life! Or at least a new way of phrasing (wording) my prayers.

“Oh Lord, give the increase to this Preacher’s labor I pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

We work, then we back out of the picture … “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but GOD that giveth the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:7, that our dear Saviour may receive all the Glory!

The last few words of Mark’s Gospel have often spoken to me along this line of thought … concerning God giving the increase. “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the LORD (JESUS) working with them, and confirming the word.” Mark 16:19-20

“Lord; work with us, pray for us, be with us … and confirm Thy Word in all we do!” Another wise prayer!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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One of my favorite authors often said (he being in Heaven now) that “Readers are leaders!”

I think that’s true in almost every area of life.

For this reason (among others) I record an occasional “Book Hint” and post it on social media. (YouTube primarily, but also on Facebook)

I uploaded one last night, recommending a classic commentary on the Old Testament Book of Leviticus and then a precious volume on suffering in the Christian life.

Also … later today (around 4:15 or so this afternoon) I will preach and share our Evening Meditation from Hebrews 13. Specifically verses 10-14 this class session.

I think this little Paragraph (I told Debbie yesterday) has presented me more problems and interpretive “knots” to untie than any other in the whole Book, the Epistle of Hebrews.

Be sure and watch!

So … while it’s raining profusely here at home this Saturday morning, enjoy your day in the Lord!

Praises to the true and living God … “Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields.” Job 5:10

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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While that term, “man of God” is used around 75 times in the Old Testament, I surprisingly find it ONLY TWICE in the entire New Testament! Let me show you where …

In 1 Timothy 6:11 … “But thou, O MAN OF GOD, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

Then again in 2 Timothy 3:17 … “That the MAN OF GOD may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Both these foregoing occurrences are found in Paul’s Pastoral Epistles, but no surprise there.

I looked for “linkage” between these two References. And here it is, the “common bond” that ties these two appellations together.

Both are in verses admonishing these the “man of God” to “live right” to the Glory of God!

That’s understandable!

I occasionally use the term (“man of God”) … but always cautiously. As an evangelist I am around dozens and dozens of Pastors every year. This honor places me in a position to be able to interact with these strong Believers in Christ.

And yet I have learned something this morning. No one becomes a “man of God” by means of a diploma from some prestigious institution. Or by claiming such a name for himself. Or, Biblically speaking, by any other means than …

… LIVING A GODLY LIFE!

Wow!

Read these two verses again. Then notice the context into which each is set. Amid good advice, both negatively and positively, from the Holy Spirit of God.

This fact sure shows God’s priorities, doesn’t it?

If you have been blessed enough to be around a real “man of God,” thank the dear Lord for such a privilege.

Then pray for him.

Especially as this world rapidly becomes darker and darker, more and more ungodly.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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Our Bible Verse this morning is found in the great Book of Isaiah. I especially want you Believers in Jesus, having accepted Him as your personal Saviour, to read it carefully.

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” The Lord God speaking in Isaiah 44:22.

“Transgressions,” the noun, means “rebellion,” spelled “pesha” in Hebrew. To revolt against the Almighty, what an affront to Divinity. And we’ve all done it!

“Sins,” that noun, means “missing the mark” when it comes to anything godly. Disobedience, which leads to great loss. It is spelled “chattah” in Hebrew.

We, both by birth and by practice, are rebels and derelicts when it comes to the things of the Lord.

But God the “Redeemer” (using the word that indicates that great “Kinsman Redeemer” thought in Jewish culture, Old Testament theology) has provided a way to deal with (to do away with) my transgressions and sins!

Through the Blood of Jesus we now know!

As in… “The Blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

But now to the word pictures today’s Verse employs. Specifically that of “blotting out” our “wrongs” as if they were as distinct as a “thick cloud!”

“Blotted out” (in Hebrew “machah”) means “to wipe away! To abolish or to destroy! One lexicon says “to exterminate!”

And “thick clouds” are those of the violent thunderstorm variety, extremely severe at that. We’ve all seen them. And at times feared them, I’d say.

God can dry up that storm!

And next, here’s the illustration that captivated me this morning … “and as a cloud, thy sins return unto Me.”

This noun for “cloud” is not as foreboding as the first. Hence the absence of the modifier “thick.” Several etymologists (those who study word origins and usage) says this word (spelled “anon”) can means “mists!” Like the “fog” on an early Spring day! “Morning mist” one Preacher explained it!

By “returned unto Me,” God means He will absolve, forgive, evaporate those sins as He does that for, those mists of the morning! The verb “return” actually expresses the Bible idea of “repentance!”

Again … all this because of God’s amazing Plan of Redemption!

Paul explains this best. Read the following little paragraph please …

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the REDEMPTION that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26

God can clear the skies!

Clear the mist!

Here today with this Verse … even the weather can be a powerful illustration of my sin (and yours) … being taken away!

Hallelujah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Oh, the Lesson Title …“Delete!” My laptop computer allows me, with one slight touch, to erase my mistakes! Yes, that little “delete” key! Do you get the picture? God, through the Death of Jesus on the Cross, can also “delete” our sins!

Gone!

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That’s what I call them anyway, “reversals.”

For example: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 … changing tears into shouts!

Or God giving grace enough that Paul can truthfully claim: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10, weakness miraculously reversed into strength!

Or John Newton’s famous song even: “I once was blind, but now I see!” (Amazing Grace)

Come to think of it, God’s fist Biblical Act was bringing order out of chaos. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Genesis 1:2-3

My testimony can be added to the list, as well as yours dear Christian friend! “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1, once DEAD, now ALIVE in Christ Jesus my Lord! The “reversal” I’ll never get over!

Now I’ve discovered a new paradoxical Move of God, a “reversal” of gigantic proportions as we live our lives for Christ!

The “reversal” of Psalm 18:28 … “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”

Christians in darkness?

Oh yes! “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, THAT WALKETH IN DARKNESS, AND HATH NO LIGHT? Let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay (lean) upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10

And when I am going through one of those inevitably dark times, it’s great to know that eventually … “the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”

Folks, remember this verse, I mean get it “in your heart!” We just might need it in the days ahead.

Once again …

“For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” Psalm 18:28

I’m quite sure enough has been said. The Holy Spirit will do the rest! He will “inculcate” this Truth into our hearts! (Latin: “in” meaning “into” and “calcare” meaning “to tread!” Dictionary definition: “to teach someone an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction.”)

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Follower of the God of “reversals!”

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